Shorts, Pants or Treatment Kit? How to Choose the Right Pjama for Your Child

When you first visit the Pjama shop, the range can look a little overwhelming. Blue or grey? Shorts or pants? Underwear, alarm or a full kit? Every family is different, and the right choice depends on your child's age, how often they wet the bed, and what you want to achieve.

This guide breaks it down into three simple questions. By the end, you should have a clear idea of where to start.

Question 1: Do you want to manage wet nights, or treat them?

This is the most important question, because Pjama offers two different approaches.

Managing wet nights: the Pjama protection range (blue)

Our blue Bedwetting Shorts and Bedwetting Pants are designed to contain leaks and protect the bed. They look and feel like regular pyjamas, with discreet absorbent and waterproof layers built in. They are washable and reusable, so there are no nappies or pull-ups to buy every week.

This range is a great fit if:

  • your child is younger and not yet ready for alarm treatment
  • you want fewer wet sheets and less laundry right now
  • your child wants to move on from pull-ups but still needs protection
  • you need something discreet for sleepovers, camps or holidays

Some families also use Pjama pants over a pull-up as a first step away from disposables. You can read more in our article on how Pjama provides effective bedwetting containment.

Treating bedwetting: the Pjama treatment range (grey pants & shorts, dark blue boxers and purple briefs + bedwetting alarm)

If your goal is to help your child stop wetting the bed, our treatment range is designed to work with a bedwetting alarm. The alarm alerts your child at the first sign of wetness, which gradually trains the brain to respond to a full bladder. Most children see progress within 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

The treatment range includes:

This range is a great fit if:

  • your child is around 6–7 or older and motivated to become dry
  • you have checked with your continence health professional that there is no medical cause
  • you can commit to a consistent routine for a couple of months

Not sure if your child is ready? Our article on bedwetting after age 7 can help you decide.

Question 2: Shorts, pants or underwear?

Once you know which range suits you, the next choice is style. This mostly comes down to your child's preference, the season and how much coverage you need.

Shorts

Shorts are our most popular style. They are cool and comfortable for Australian summers, easy to pull on and off, and look just like regular pyjama shorts. Many children feel more grown-up in shorts, which can help with confidence at sleepovers.  The shorts absorbs urine.  Check the size guide for the absorption capacity.

Pants

Pants offer the same discreet protection in a longer style. They are a good choice for cooler months, or for children who simply prefer long pyjamas. The pants absorbs urine.  Check the size guide for the absorption capacity.

Underwear (boxers and briefs)

Treatment boxers and briefs are worn like regular underwear, so your child can choose their own pyjamas over the top. Older children and teens often prefer underwear because it feels the most "normal". Boxers are popular with boys and teens, while the unisex briefs suit anyone who prefers a closer fit. Please note that the underwear do not absorb urine.

Whichever style you choose, check the size guide on each product page so the fit is snug but comfortable. A good fit is important for containing leaks and, with treatment products, for the alarm sensor to work well.

Question 3: Single items or a kit?

Starter kits

If you are new to Pjama, a starter kit is usually the easiest place to begin. Our Bedwetting Shorts Starter Kit and Bedwetting Pants Starter Kit bundle what you need to get going. See each product page for exactly what is included.

Treatment kits

Treatment kits combine treatment underwear or pants & shorts with an alarm, so you have everything for alarm therapy in one order. Choose from:

Extra pairs

Whatever you choose, we recommend having at least two or three pairs so there is always a clean, dry pair ready while another is in the wash. Single items are also handy for topping up as your child grows.

Quick guide: which Pjama is right for us?

Your situation Where to start
Younger child, frequent wet nights, not ready for an alarm Blue Bedwetting Shorts or Pants Starter Kit
Moving on from pull-ups Blue Bedwetting Shorts or Pants
Child aged 6–7+ who wants to stop wetting the bed Treatment Kit with Shorts or Pants
Older child or teen who wants something that feels like normal underwear Treatment Kit with Boxers or Briefs
Upcoming sleepover or school camp Blue Shorts plus a Waterproof Pjama Bag
Teen or adult needing protection Adult Bedwetting Shorts or Pants

Don't forget the extras

For teens and adults

Bedwetting does not always stop in childhood. Our Adult Bedwetting Shorts and Adult Bedwetting Pants offer the same discreet, washable protection in adult sizes. Read more in Adult Bedwetting Is More Common Than You Think.

Using NDIS funding?

Many Pjama products can be claimed through the NDIS. Our NDIS guide lists the support item codes for continence products, alarms and the reminder watch.

Still not sure?

Every child is different, and it is completely normal to have questions. If you would like help choosing, get in touch with our team. We are always happy to talk through your situation and point you to the right product.

Whether you are looking for calmer nights right now or a path to dry nights for good, there is a Pjama option that fits. Browse the full Pjama range to get started.